Question 1

What's the difference between a flowerpot and a cache-pot?

Accepted Answer

A flowerpot has drainage holes in the base and is designed for planting directly into; a cache-pot is a decorative outer sleeve with no drainage, used to conceal a plain inner pot. Using a cache-pot as a planting pot is one of the most common causes of root rot in houseplants. If you're unsure, check the base of the pot in the product photos — drainage holes should be clearly visible.

Question 2

Are elho pots actually good, or are they just cheap?

Accepted Answer

Elho pots are genuinely good value — not just cheap. They're made from 100% recycled plastic, are lightweight, and the Greenville range is properly rated for outdoor use including frost resistance. The Vibes Fold series in particular has earned a strong reputation among UK houseplant enthusiasts. The trade-off is that they lack the premium feel of LECHUZA or Ecopots, and the plastic aesthetic won't suit every interior.

Question 3

Which flowerpot size should I buy for a monstera or large houseplant?

Accepted Answer

For a mature monstera, you'll typically need a pot of at least 25–30cm in diameter. The rule is to go 2–4cm wider than the current root ball — upsizing too dramatically encourages the compost to stay wet and can cause root rot. The elho Greenville Round 30cm is a popular choice at a reasonable price point, and it's available in colours that work well indoors.

Question 4

Can I leave plastic flowerpots outside all year in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Only if they're specifically rated for outdoor and frost use — not all plastic pots are. Standard polypropylene pots can crack in hard frosts or fade significantly after a summer of UV exposure. Look for products explicitly described as 'frost resistant' and 'UV stabilised'. Elho's Greenville range meets both criteria; many cheaper pots do not. Terracotta is even more vulnerable to frost and should be brought inside or wrapped between November and March.

Question 5

Is it worth paying more for a self-watering pot like LECHUZA?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you travel regularly, forget to water, or grow plants that need consistent moisture levels. LECHUZA's reservoir system genuinely works — it wicks water up from a base tank as the plant needs it, and a full reservoir can last 2–4 weeks depending on conditions. The cost is significantly above 7 £, but for the right plant and the right owner, it pays for itself in plants not killed. For casual plant owners with easy-care species, it's probably overkill.

Question 6

What traps should I avoid when buying flowerpots online?

Accepted Answer

Three main ones. First, confusing cache-pots with planting pots — always check for drainage holes. Second, buying outdoor pots without checking frost and UV ratings — a pot that looks fine in a product photo may crack after one winter. Third, misjudging scale from photos: always check the diameter in centimetres before ordering, as pots photographed alone are notoriously hard to size accurately. A 14cm pot is smaller than most people expect.

Question 7

Do flowerpots in 2026 need to be eco-friendly to be worth buying?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily, but recycled-plastic options are now so competitively priced that there's little reason to choose virgin plastic. Elho's entire range uses 100% recycled plastic at no price premium — it's the default, not an upgrade. Ecopots takes it further with a recycled plastic and natural fibre blend, though at a higher cost. Biodegradable pots exist but are generally suited to seed starting rather than long-term planting.

Flowerpots Price Comparison

Flowerpots price comparison UK